We first met Keha at New Amsterdam Market in early autumn, and were surprised and delighted to learn that her young, fresh face was the energy behind the drop-dead gorgeous produce at the Queens County Farm stand. If you're just hearing about QCFM, you're not the first to be shocked that there is a historical working farm in New York City - and you can take the train there. Not only that, but thanks to Keha and her cohorts, it churns out some of the most delectable products at any farmers' market stand in the five boroughs. It comes naturally to her.

What attracted you to a good food job?

It sounds silly, but farming seems like my purpose; I love being outside, hard work, and delicious food. Every day is different from the last and I know I'll be learning for the rest of my life.

How did you get your current good food job?

I answered a posting on the Greenhorns blog. I'd been living in New York for a little of a year working the Greenmarkets at Union Square and Grand Army Plaza, interning with Just Food, volunteering and becoming a core member for the Bed Stuy CSA, pretty much pursuing my interest in food and farming wherever I could. This job was a dream.

How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?

My childhood was full of fresh apricots, peaches, grapes, and vegetables from our backyard. That's probably where I got hooked on fresh and flavorful. My parents are wild folk and we spent most of our summers backpacking and camping, so I learned to appreciate how small humans are in a landscape, how much we can learn when we're quiet and observe. From there I've always pursued opportunities that feed me and take me outside, working on farms, gardening small community plots, WOOFing in Spain and Argentina. . .

What advice do you have for others in search of a good food job?

Pursue what you love! If you love compost, volunteer at a compost center. If you love seed saving, visit a seed farm or organize other seed savers and start an exchange. Following your passion will lead you to unimagined opportunities.

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?

I'm compensated in so many invaluable ways: a life long education, fresh produce, the joy of a supportive work place, the satisfaction of watching my work in action as seeds sprout grow and end up at the market, cow licks, watching the seasons shift, the list goes on and on.